Pollution prevention officers provided response equipment and staff, and a boat was on the water within the hour. Photo / APN
Pollution prevention officers provided response equipment and staff, and a boat was on the water within the hour. Photo / APN
A small amount of oil spilled during a bunkering incident at the Port of Tauranga today, however very little oil reached the water, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council says.
The leak came from vessel Sea Star Emperor as it neared the end of refuelling around 11.30am, said the council'sSenior Pollution Prevention Officer, Adrian Heays.
Up to 20 litres of heavy fuel oil was spilled, but most was collected around the bunkering connection, and only about one litre of oil went into the water, he said.
Pollution prevention officers provided response equipment and staff, and a boat was on the water within the hour.
"We found only oil sheen, and prop-washing was used to disperse this."
Mr Heays said the exact cause of the spill was unknown and was being investigated.
"The failure occurred at the coupling connection to the Port of Tauranga fuel lines. The hose, coupling and the connection are being examined and will not be reused until the cause is determined."
